🌟 The time had come 🌟

Runners, Crew, Volunteers and apparently a couple of confused tourists gathered at the Northcliffe Hotel & Motor Inn on Tuesday Night the 19th of February to hear the race brief from our glorious leader Shaun!

👉 side note: it was commented on by one observer that this gathering may have been like some sort of cult meeting.....

Before I get into the The Delirious W.E.S.T. (Western Endurance Scenic Trail) 200 Miler I wanted to give a bit about my background, why I run and what it is that running has given to me.

I served 17 years in the Australian Army and deployed multiple times, I experienced the good and the bad that comes with service life and I'll honestly say hat I enjoyed the time that I spent in uniform.

I was diagnosed with PTSD after returning from operations in Afghanistan in 2009 and this began a period of transition out of the military back into civilian life.

When I discharged in 2011 I scored an adventurous job as a Paramedic in the Remote Western Province of Papua New Guinea, where along with a handful of Ex-Army mates, we were responsible for the medical needs of the personnel working on the Gas Exploration Project.

Having a close knit team, a crew whom we all knew we could depend upon allowed us to operate effectively in a hostile environment. Most importantly, it allowed us to maintain a connection to those whom we had developed a special kind of connection that is only formed through long hours of shared adversity.

Eventually I left PNG and took a role in Australia working in the WA Resources sector where I soon discovered that despite the generous paychecks and comfortable resort style camps in the Pilbara many of my fellow FIFO workers felt a deep hatred for their jobs and the role they were doing.

This environment fostered not only distrust of management but created conflict among the workers, creating a toxic atmosphere and a culture of looking out for number one without care for the affect on others.

FIFO Life wasn't all doom and gloom and there were small pockets of good people, some of whom I was privileged to work alongside. Our work together allowed us to achieve managements goals within our workplace.

We would often take part in group gym session that let us blow off the negativity of the previous 12 hour shift and let our small team interact outside of the confines of workplace in a positive and supportive way.

Nathan Lane was a member of the workgroup and in 2013 he introduced me to the concept distance running and I gradually increased my distances from 5 to 10 to 15 and eventually 21km before running my first 6 inch in December 2013 where I was first introduced to the fledgling WA Ultra Scene and it was love at first sight!

I don't remember exactly when, but Nathan came along one day and suggested that we should run the 2014 Edition of The Big Red Run, a 6 day 250km staged race in the Simpson desert, an opportunity to which I jumped at!

🏁 0 km Start - Northcliffe Tourist Information Centre

I awoke a little after at 0500 on Wednesday the 20th, I wasn't feeling nervous or anxious; the time had come and I was ready. It was weird not to hold the usual pre-race nervousness or tension, there was just a strange calmness. I knew there was a job to get done.

I took care of my morning routine and finished preparing my gear and after helping my total Novice, Absolutely Amazing Crew Chief Amanda (God bless her cotton socks) load the car we made our way down to the start line at the Northcliffe Tourist Information Centre.

The air was tense with excitement; runners, crew and volunteers all eager to see the race begin. After picking up trackers and exchanging handshakes, high fives, nervous laughs and hugs we were marshaled in front of the Delirious W.E.S.T sign for a group photo before a short brief from Shaun, a welcome to country by Bill and a bush chook shoie for the start!

We were off!

Like a line of lemmings falling off of a cliff, we followed single file down the track heading North towards Kalamunda....

At about 1.5 km after heading in the wrong direction some runners began questioning our direction, shortly after we all began self-correcting although some of the lead runners went ended up with an additional 9 km's to add to their total km's!

Jovially, everyone continued on their way, not to perplexed by the initial miss-direction

The trail was though forest, a mix of hard-packed dirt, pea gravel access roads, road crossing and some sandy tracks. Runners ebbed and flowed, chattered and began to get to know each other as we made our way to Aid 2. The intermittent overhead coverlet us know that the day was going to be warm.

🌟 23.17 km - Chesapeake Rd (West)
As I approached the first Aid Station I was feeling great, I was mindful of my pace and on track. The front runners who had gone the extra distance at the start caught up and as we hit Aid 2 our crew were there, excited to see how we were feeling after the first 23 km leg. Everyone seemed to be all thumbs, all excitement and eagerness to help.

I was quick through the Aid Station and found myself running with Candice Burt and we travelled together for a time chatting at a comfortable pace. Soon, Dion Leonard Extreme Runner caught up and we ran together navigating the forest tracks.

At approx 32km we passed the Lake Marinup Campsite and were greeted by a refreshing breeze which was lovely as the day was really warming up. It was awesome to run and chat to them both to learn more about their experiences and personal journeys.

About 1km from Aid 3 I began to experience tightness through my hamstrings and lower back slowing my pace, so I bid Candice and Dion farewell and shuffled my way into the Aid Station

🌟 40.67 km - Chesapeake Rd (East)
Running into the Aid Station with a mad back spasm, every step sending shock waves up my spine! This was completely abnormal and to be honest, a little disconcerting! Amanda grabbed the foam roller and I started rolling out my hammies and back, David Kennedy was on scene and offered to give me a back massage. I eagerly accepted and it was only a few moments for relief to come.

Heading out into the scrub, the route to Dog Road was fairly sparsely covered and open, the sun beating down relentlessly

🌟 52.2 km - Dog Road
Another fairly short stop, just long enough to refuel and eat grab my water bladder and head off. I got a little down the road and realised that I had forgotten to grab my battery charger for my watch, not wanting to go all the way back I managed to gain Amanda's attention and she brought it out to me.

The afternoon was still really warm so I pushed on at a hike jogging the downhills and powering on through the rest.

I spent a period hiking and jogging with Julie Sager before I needed to pull up and stretch out my hammies and lower back again, relieving some tightness that was creeping back in.

About a km from Pingerup Road Andy Hewat came up and we chatted briefly before he dropped off

I saw what looked like an old flag tied to a tree and I thought, gee that looks like it has been there a while, then I saw a series of pluggers on the ground and more flags, realising that these were indicators of the aid station being just around a bend!

🌟 70.25 km - Pingerup Road
Pingerup Road is a limited access area so no crew were able to access the at aid station. I trotted in and sat down, feet up refueled and watered the horses. Emily Chan, Raquel Rae and finally Andy Hewat arrived.

As it was approaching last light, maybe around 1800 I decided to get a wriggle on and make haste while I still had light. Andy departed a few minutes before me so at least I had a 'rabbit' to chase!

I was treated to an amazing sunset as I crossed a flood plain, winding my way towards Booke Inlet Road

Winding my way through sandy tracks, scrub, flood plains and pea gravel trails I saw massive orange glow towards the east! Now those of you who remember the 'hot' year at feral pig might also recall the fires that were burning that evening and for a moment I thought oh no here we go again..... But I soon realised that it was just the moon it all it's glory rising in the east.

🌟 86.98 km - Brooke Inlet Road
I was moving well into the Brooke Inlet Aid Station and feeling good! I enquired about how Andy was to learn that he wasn't in yet and was a little worried as he wa in front of me.... (It turns out he stopped in at the Pingerup Hut which ended up being a little further away that he had anticipated).

It was time for a time for a full lube and oil change so changed out of damp clothing, a baby wipe bath, hot soup, 2 minute noodles and a full refresh. With my second pair of shoes laced up I was ready to head out!

As I ran off Matt Salinovich came charging up behind me jovially yelling about being on a sugar high from coke and within a few minutes he though it might be an idea to slow down a little less he fizz out! Matt and I finished the Feral Pig 100 miler together on the hot year and we spent time catching up.

At about 5km's out from Broke Inlet Road I stated feeling an intense pain in my right mid foot at the proximal end of the 5th metatarsal. This was weird and initially I thought I'd be able to just run it off; however it only seemed to increase in severity so slowed and told Matt we'd chat later.

Slowing to a walk and then a limp I felt a real sorry state. Other runners came along and passed me by and my position in the field slipped.

As I limped along, stopping what seemed every 5 minutes to take my shoe off and rub my foot my mind started throwing out all sorts of reasons to not go on. How the hell should I make another 260km like this! The worst thing was that there was nothing else wrong!

I came across a Bibbulmun Track Hut and layed down to rub my foot, I dozed and another group of runners hiked past and I really didn't care.

Apathy, defeat and despair......

As I lay there the Talking Heads song 'Once In A Lifetime" floated into my head and I kept repeating the line "How did I get here"......

It got me to thinking about "Why" I was actually here and what I set out to achieve, the one thing I didn't want to ever say to myself was "my god, what have I done?"

This truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity and although I had planned on a Saturday PM finish, I could see that plan rapidly dissolving....

On the Monday before heading down to Northcliffe I stopped into RSL WA and recorded an interview for the Podcast "Prep Your Standard NATO".

While talking I made an anology that running an ultra was just like the journey that is life. There are ups and downs, periods of darkness when you feel alone, cold, tired, there seems to be no hope and there is no end in sight.

Sometimes, it seems as if it would be easier to just end it all.

As I thought about this, I realised that this was the time in life when many people quit. So I made a vow that I would get this done. This is my example of not giving up. It wasn't going to be pretty and at barely 90km's in with 260km to go it felt way to early to have to take a look deep inside and way to early to dig deep to find the inner strength that would carry me the distance.

We can make a choice to make a change; or we can choose to carry on the same as it ever was.

As another runner trudged past I picked myself up, resolute that I would not quit.

I followed on and soon George Mihalakellis caught up, he passed as I was again rubbing my foot. I decided wrapping it with a crepe bandage to see if I could give it some sort of support may help, once again on my way I soon found George having a dirt nap on a rock outcrop so I joined him staring at the stars.

7 minutes later, his alarm went off, we got up and we continued on.

🌟 108.20 km - Mandalay Beach Road
On the approach to Mandalay Beach, I lost George as he powered on and I continued on through alone through the dark. My foot was somewhat relieved with the support of the crepe bandage and each step was a step closer to the finish.

I think it was through the sand dunes that I passed Emily and Phil it felt good to finally pass someone else for a change, although I knew it was just the endless game of cat and mouse that we were going to keep playing for a few days yet!

At 3 am I finally came into Mandalay Beach Road, much to Amanda's relief...... She had heard nothing but horror stories from what seemed the entire field that I was in trouble.

Instead of the anticipated 3 to 4 hours, this leg had taken over 7 hours.

The Aid Station seemed like a disaster zone with people asleep in chairs, others wrapped in blankets on the ground and on stretchers. Amanda made sure my hydration and nutrition needs were met and then I slept.

At about 0500 I awoke. Feeling better I layed there analying my options. first things first I needed to fix my foot, secondly I needed my other shoes and lastly, I needed to move!

Luckily Heather Kaesler, medic extraordinaire arrived while I was alseep so she was on hand and she taped up my foot, I had some paracetamol and ibuprofen to take away the edge, I ate, then laced up and pushed on.

I knew I would be moving snail pace and with the Shedley Drive Aid Station 18km away I needed to make the most of the coolness of the early dawn incase the day once again turned out to be a hot one.

Moving slowly at first I found the soft sand easy to move through as it softened my foot fall and for me, made it easy going. As I warmed up, with my foot feeling less like an anchor I began to running at a much better pace and soon found that I was running the winding single track and was once again enjoying the race.

I passed a few runners and my spirit was lifted, it's amazing how the light of a new day can change your perspective.

🌟 126 km - Shedley Drive
As I weaved my way out of the unrelenting sand dunes the fauna changed from sparse coastal scrub to more dense vegetation with beautiful wooded sections and firmer footing

I walked across the Suspension Bridge and enjoy the beauty around me before hitting the Aid Station and eating me some 2 minute noods!

Through the last section my foot was tolerable, I could compensate but the in the process the change in my gait was building hot spots on the balls of both my feet not ideal and if this continued, I'd have other things to worry about. I could see a snowball beginning to build here and wanted to nip it in the bud!

The next challenge was climbing Mount Clare before I could ease into the final leg into Walpole for a much needed shower and a sleep

🌟 137.4 km Walpole Hotel Motel
I made it into Walpole in what I felt was good time, found food, a shower and jumped into the bed that Matt Salinivich had just departed (we even shared a moment in the ensuite... What happens on the trail, stays on the trail 😉)

Unfortunately, I wasn't to have the rest I'd hopped for here as there was a lot of activity in the room with Mark Williams having major maintenance work carried out on him and the room being quite warm in the middle of the day.

The rest was welcome and after 1.5 hours I got dressed and organised my thoughts ready to go.

I made my way out to the Aid Station had something else to eat and laced up and bid everyone at Walpole Farewell.

Running out of Walpole I was feeling great! My foot was rested, I was clean and fresh! I passed Shaun and Dan who were walking along having a chat and pushed on enjoying the scenery of the Nornalup Inlet, heading towards the Giant Tingles!

A few km's along the track I heard faintly, someone yelling my name, I slowed to a stop and listened. There it was again and it sounded like Felix Meister......

Back at Walpole, Felix offered to pace and I thought that he said from Giant Tingle Tree Aid Station, but no.... So I left Walpole while he was getting his kit together and he had to run 5km at pace to catch up!

147.7 km - Giant Tingle Tree
I first got to know Felix well when I became an adhoc pacer for him a few years ago at KEP. He was having a tough time on the backend of the race and I was there to rub his calf when he needed it..... but that's another story.

Felix and I ran into the Giant Tingle Tree Aid Station and we prep'd ourselves for the coming night. Mark and Cheryl left just as we got there and Emily was there also

Heading off into the late afternoon I was happy for the company. Felix shared stories of his childhood and his families frequent visits to the area when he was younger and of his recent adventures with the google maps camera that he carried through sections of the Bibulmun Track last year

We were moving well although my foot had once again started hurting. The pain was still very pin point and each step sent shock waves up my leg and slowly I could feel the pain beginning to creep up towards my ankle as the ligament began becoming inflammed.

We stopped at a hut and I rubbed down my foot as a light drizzle started, great I thought..... a long wet, cold night ahead 😞

As we took off again, only making things worse, I began getting left ITB pain which I haven't had for a number of years and could only put it down to my altered gait, compensating for the foot pain.

Looking for more inner strength and complaining about my plight loudly through grunts, groans and cuss words we continued on with our slow but relentless forward momentum

Felix did his best to keep my spirits up and we chatted, I think we solved global poverty and discovered cures for incurable diseases but alas these breakthroughs were lost to the woods!

This section of Forest was stunning with massive trees looming out of the darkness, I was grateful that my ITB had stopped hurting and that it wasn't raining 😄

🌟 167.2 km - Tree Top Walk
After Forest, hills, cussing and big trees we crossed some bitumen roads and became excited about the prospect of making it to the Fabled Valley of the GIANTS Tree Top Walk!

It was a sight to be seen as we made our way through the forest we saw the lights through the tree tops and heard the activity at the Aid Station.

The fairy lights, the walkways illuminated by spot light beams shining from the forest floor through the canopy far above.

Felix and I felt (I'll speak for us both here) massive relief to be here. This was now the the longest distance that I had run in one event and the longest duration of time to be moving.

It was a big deal. I had been feeling like Columbus might have felt. Sure that I wouldn't fall off the edge of the earth, but sailing into the unknown, you just never know what might happen!

We grabbed Amanda and Nathan and headed up through the Tree Top Walk and loved this little side excursion, It was thrilling to know that we were a small group to be allowed access up here at night.

Heading back down to earth it was time to eat, hydrate and sleep

Felix and I headed out my foot was sore, we were both tired and the 15km to Conspicuous Cliffs was going to make for a long night.

We made slow progress and the foot pain I was experiencing was intense but together we marched on.

At around 10km I was well and truly over it so after grumbling and complaining I told Felix we were stopping for a sleep on the side of the track. I pulled out my space blanket curled up in a ball and using my pack as a pillow attempted to sleep..... 2 minutes later Felix was cutting down trees, snoring like an out of control chainsaw...... worst pacer ever award goes to Andrew Poli!

Jokes, love you mate 😄

🌟 182.4 km - Conspicuous Cliffs
Rookie error here, I didn't set an alarm but I think it was 45 min to an hour before I decided it was time. Lets get it done!

We rolled into Conspicuous Cliffs around half 2 or 3 am and after a feed I headed for another nap. While I was sleeping Gene Dykes, Phil Monks, Troy and Harmony Waite arrived and freshened up.

As Dawn broke, we all headed out of the Aid Station bound for the Peaceful Bay Sleep Station with Sarah Faz and David Kennedy pacing for Harmony and Gene Respectively.

I was feeling good, the soft sand was forgiving on my foot and strangely enough, as everything started to hurt I noticed the individual pains less and less.

This stretch of coast was stunning and as we alternated between running on sand dunes, beaches and rocky outcrops we enjoyed the views, the cool of the morning and the company.

We spread out and played the cat and mouse game of pass and be passed, I was feel great and the new day renewed my energy and lifted my spirit.

🌟 198.2 km - Peaceful Bay Sleep Station
Rolling into Peaceful Bay was something else. This was the first time I'd been to Peaceful Bay and the town really is stunning, the beaches beautiful. We ran past fisherman and people out for a morning walk arriving at the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park Sleep Station about 0900 and was looking forward to a sleep!

Hot Chips and Gravy were on the menu and my next pacer James Hutchins was there ready to spend the next 24 or so hours with me.

After a nap, Amanda hustled me along and getting me out the door by 11am and the cut-off for the Peaceful Bay Sleep Station

Unfortunately we lost Emily at Peaceful Bay, the last leg and a detour took the last of her energy

🌟 205.9 km - Irwin Inlet Kayak Crossing West Side
Jimmy and I made it to the Kayak Crossing in good time passing Gene and Phil along the way, we arrived at the Kayak shed and saw that @Richard Avery was paddling furiously back across the inlet battling the wind and towing a second kayak behind him.

🌟 206.1 km - Irwin Inlet Kayak Crossing East Side
The crossing was a bit of fun with Jimmy and I trying to synchronize our oar strokes as we battled the wind and waves to get to the otherside!

We landed, put our kayak back in the shed and climbed our way up a set of stairs enjoying the view back over the inlet before we headed out across the rolling fields in front of us.

The remainder of the leg to Boat Harbour Aid Station was across sand dunes and beaches, fully exposed and predominantly on soft sand. The day wore on and we were greeted with majestic views along the coast line as we crested the top of one sand dune after another. We stopped and rested in the little shade we could find, conscious that we had a long way to go and the day was only going to get hotter.

We slept for a spell on a rock along the beach, climbed never ending dunes, taking one step after another inching closer to Boat Harbour

We were a few km's away when we saw David Kennedy running towards us as we sheltered from the sun, he was heading out to pace Gene. We arrived into Boat Harbour Aid Station into what once again looked like a disaster area.

🌟 222 km - Aid 14 Boat Harbour
George was in the process of being evicted, Matt and Jimmy Brook were sheltering under the shade of a marquee, Jimmy Brook wrapped in blankets and looking miserable. I just wanted to eat and have a short nap.

Before leaving David Kennedy gave me a calf and foot massage then Jimmy and I were off, we moved at best speed making the most of the remaining light enjoying a stunning sunset on top of a sand dune.

🌟 232.8 km - Parry Beach
We arrived into Parry Beach to find Jimmy Brook and Matt in the Aid Station, Glenn Monaghan and Troy were with their crews.

Making good time, we refueled and watered, pushing onto Wiliam Bay where I decided would b a good place to kip for a few hours.

🌟 240.8 km - William Bay
The Beach hike up to William Bay seemed to go on forever! During the journey I was taking massive hits from the gonk monster and was in serious threat of falling asleep on my feet. Matt, Jimmy, Glenn and his pacer all caught us and we all got into the Aid Station at about the same time.

Shannon and Justin Wakefield run an awesome Aid Station and it was great to be back in their care for a spell. I headed off for a kip and Jimmy was offered a swag so also had the opportunity to get a nap in.

2 hours later, Amanda woke me up and I was surprised that I slept so deeply, this was to be the best sleep all race!

Jimmy was already up and 3 coffees down by the time I was ready to go. Troy arrived in and his crew were attending his needs as we headed off for Lights Road.

🌟 249.3 km - Lights (Beach) Road
We made Lights Road in good time, my foot pain had progressed to ankle and calf pain as the tendon continues to become inflammed. Rob Donkersloot was a gratuitous host and I was invited into David Kennedy's swag for a rub down but a miscommunication caused us both to miss out on the opportunity.....

Our next challenge was to climb Mount Hallowell before we could descend into Denmark!

Heading out of Lights Road, we left Troy asleep at the trail head and Harmony at the Aid Station.

Jimmy and I made it to the top in the pre-dawn light and were treated to a magnificent sunrise overlooking the township of Denmark and the Wilson Inlet

Coming down the opposite side was a rock hopping challenge that I could have done without but at least both my feet were so sore that I no longer felt pain of a specific origin!

As we reached the bottom of Mount Hallowell and crossed Ocean Beach Road we found Jimmy Brook sitting on a park bench. He had called Bill Irving a few hours prior, he wanted to withdraw and was adamant that he was done.

Jimmy and I pushed on and gained momentum as we headed along the banks of the Wilson Inlet headed for the Denmark River Mouth Caravan Park.

🌟 261.1 km - Denmark River Mouth Caravan Park Sleep Station
As we approached Denmark, I fare-welled Jimmy as he turned left heading into town for a coffee and a feed before meeting his ride back to Albany. Iran into the Caravan Park and was met by Amanda and the Aid Station Vollies.

Harmony was soon on scene and she joined me in breakfast prepared for us by Amanda and man was it good!

After a shower and a feed I was ready for a sleep, there were changes to ferry arrangements and we would need to be traveling by car after 11am as the boat would no longer be available.

it was set in my mind that I would sleep for 3 hours and nothing was going to stop me from achieving that. In hindsight I should have got the 11am Ferry across the inlet and had a sleep at Eden Road, but fatigue doesn't allow for coherent thought processes.

👉 Note: I'll add here that Bill Irving maliciously stood on my right little toe at this time which wasn't nice 😛

🌟 261.3 km - Wilson Inlet Ferry Crossing West
We climbed aboard our 4 wheeled ferry at 1300 and headed off on the air conditioned drive toward the Wilson Inlet Ferry Crossing East

🌟 265 km - Wilson Inlet Ferry Crossing East
At about 1345 Harmony, Abdul (Harmony's pacer and I were dropped off at the Eastern dock and had a photo taken as proof that we were thee before we headed towards Aid Station 19 at Eden Road

🌟 272.2 km - Eden Road
Eden Road was reached without incident and after a short break it was onwards towards Lowlands Beach

The heat of the day was over and in the late afternoon progress over the unrelenting sand dunes was made easier due to the cooler temperatures. I again struggled with foot pain and was slowly hobbling along. Resting to rub my foot and feel sorry for myself, Harmony Waite and Sarah Faz came past marching onwards.

I took another few minutes before lacing up and getting going. I pushed along as best I could, moving intentionally and running sections that I could. Once again I found the soft sand made it easier on my foot and there were plenty of nice single track with a gentle downhill slope that favoured a good pace.

As the sun set I was happy with the fact that I was again enjoying the trail and looked forward to Lowlands.

🌟 286.7 km - Lowlands Beach

Sarah ran an amazing Aid Station and I'd have loved to seen the view in daylight (2020 🙂) but it was what it was. Harmony and Abdul left shortly I arrived and I'll admit I probably spent to long here.

On the way to Shelly Beach I attempted to dirt nap a couple of times got rained on - twice so had to suck it up and just keep trudging along......

As I was moving along wondering when the never ending sand dunes would finally end, dodging massive Orb Spiders and trying not to fall asleep I somehow managed to get a Moth fly into my left ear..... man that sucked balls! about 2 km from Shelley Beach up on top sand dunes trying not to fall off of cliffs I somehow managed to get to Shelley Beach.

🌟 303.5 km - Shelley Beach
Luckily, the moth buzzing in my ear gave me an adrenaline boost so after using cooking oil to float that little bastard out of my head I was off in a flash!

Climbing out of Shelley Beach I was renewed with energy and resolve. I would get this done.

Make the entire foot hurt, forget about the pain and go!

As I made my way towards Cozy Corner, I was meet by Todd Lakeman and Ripley the dog who paced me into the fourth and final sleep station

We played swap positions with Harmony and Abdul again and they arrived into Cozy Corner just ahead of me.

🌟 311.9 km - Aid 22 Cosy Corner Sleep Station
At 38km's to the finish, I decided that I would make this stop as short as possible. Time was running short and as daybreak was approaching I wanted to make progress.

After a feed, Harmony opted for a proper sleep and I went for the short chair nap option. 20 or so minutes later it was time to move, For the remainder of the journey Georgia Snowball was going to be my rabbit.

Mutton Bird was a short beach run and we cut tracks and the sun rose as we made our way across the beach

🌟 317.6 km - Aid 2 Mutton Bird
I dropped in to say Hi to Troy who was already at Mutton Bird before I grabbed a quick resupply and headed out with Georgia

I wanted to maintain 4km an hour or better and gave instructions to Georgia that we'd jog where we could and hike the rest. After about 3 minutes of this I hit the wall, HARD!

Troy and his pacer passed us as I stumbled, asleep on my feet and for a mooment I felt like I had reached my limit.

I was mortified, slogging it along, 30 odd km from the finish and feeling completely done!

As we pushed on I realized that I'd forgotten paracetamol and ibuprofen at Mutton Bird and that I should also have a caffiene tablet, luckily Georgia had 2 voltaren and I had those, chased with a no-doze and a good swallow of tailwind.

Soon enough, I felt a surge of energy and I was back!

We began running and for the remainder of the race we clocked a blistering pace!

note: by blistering pace I mean somewhat faster than a snail.....

We past Troy again like a demon had possessed us and as we flew past he wanted to know what sauce we were on!

As we began running past the Albany Wind Turbines we became really excited, we were close!

It was in this leg that we had our closest encounter with a snake, Georgia who was ahead of me stepped over a small dugite without noticing and I came across it curled up and pissed off! I saw it and called out to Georgia and she got to see her first snake on the trails!

🌟 330.5km - Aid 24 Sandpatch Carpark
I have never been more happy to make an Aid Station as I was to arrive at Sandpatch! 10 km to go and we were done!

Off we went, heading out with Troy, soon leaving him as we ran off through the scrub.

A few km's later, I needed a toilet break and Troy passed and we once again played leap fog as we passed him again!

felix came along a short time later, bouncing along as he does to say G'Day we had a quick chat and he continued onwards to meet up with Troy to give him company on the final leg.

🏁 340 km - Finish Great Southern Distillery Company
After 5 days, 4 nights, 100 hours and 29 minutes I made it across the finishline.

I think I timed it perfect as just about everyone who was at an Aid Station (except Sandpatch), all the vollies, crew and the runners who had already finished were there.

It is always an amazing sensation finishing a race and this monster was no exception.

It's hard to explain to someone why I would want to put myself through this pain, the sleep deprivation, the self doubts and internal battle.

It has something to do with never let limiting self-beliefs stop you from achieving your goals.

At 85km's I wanted to quit, I had injured my foot and was in a dark place. It was the middle of the night, I was tired and feeling miserable, I was experiencing constant pain and nothing would make it stop.

If I quit, I could have ended it all and trust me, it would have been all so easy to just end it all.

I hurt.

For 270km I was in near constant pain. I was so fatigued, often I couldn't tell if what I was seeing was real.

What helped me through was the support of the people around me, the only thing they expected of me was that I give my best shot.

I knew, even when I was on my own in the deepest and darkest night that my people, my tribe were there to help me through.

I knew that I wasn't alone.

Running is where I found a connection to community that many in society today craves. It's a safe place where I won't be judged. I can try, and should I fail they will encourage me to get up and keep moving forward.

Strive for relentless forward momentum, face the challenge head on and don't allow others to impose their limits on what you can do.

Troy, Harmony and Gene all crossed the finish line. Of the 35 starters, 6 have unfinished business on the course and most will return to see this beast done.